So Rachel Dolezal had to resign as president of the Spokane NAACP amid a furor over her race ["A fake black woman's 'passing' fancy," Opinion, June 18].

Her parents say she's Caucasian, but she says that she identifies as black. Well, today, if a man identifies as a woman, she's a woman, even without physical alterations. If a woman identifies as a man, he's a man. So why can't Dolezal be black? Why can't she be a hero like Bruce -- oops -- Caitlyn Jenner?

Can't a Caucasian work for the advancement of African-American people?

Richard Posner, Selden

I don't understand the firestorm about Rachel Dolezal. It is obvious that our country and much of the world have come around to accepting people's self-images in myriad ways. The most current is transgender acceptance and rights.

If Dolezal identifies herself as a black woman, why is that less acceptable than a woman identifying herself as a man, and vice versa? Dolezal has lived as a black woman, fought for black rights and accomplished much. I would say she deserves praise for what she has achieved rather than condemnation.